And no, it's not the electric motor for the power steering. I know what that sounds like. And this "creaking" just started recently but I think it's gotten worse. It makes the sound even if the car is turned off. It is a creaking-type of sound coming from under the bonnet - NOT the steering wheel or under the dash. Definitely seems to be coming from the suspension or axle area. It is very loud (I can hear it over the stereo) when I turn the wheel to the right. The sound is a bit different and quieter when I turn the wheel to the left. It happens when driving slowly and turning or turning the wheel - even a tiny bit - while the car isn't moving.

Anyone have a clue what this is? I guess I should have MINI check it out. But any advice/opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance. :smile:

i've got a "squeaky-creaky" kind of sound that comes from the steering wheel whenever i turn it to the left more than the right. i'm pretty sure mine is from the wheel.

just to add to this...my '94 nissan p/u does "creak" loudly when i turn the wheel all the way under slow speeds, ie. backing out of the driveway. it definitely sounds like it's coming from under the hood somewhere near the axle/wheels. i think some other truck owners have noticed this sound also, but none have said that it't anything serious. it is quite annoying though, especially when all the pedestrians and/or stopped drivers look up to see what kind of piece of crap is responsible for the irking sound. luckily, i dont' really care what they think about my beach mobile anyways. but if it was my mini...

You might get a better response if you post this in "Beneath the Bonnet".
Good luck!

Your steering rack assembly is probably going bad.

I posted this in another thread a while back... to find others, do a search on the word "creaking".

Here's what I posted:
I had to have my steering rack assembly replaced under warranty (symptoms was slight creaking sounds when turning at low speeds), and since I got it back the power steering whine has definitely DECREASED..

so look out for the slight creaking sounds and louder than normal power steering whine, it could mean the steering rack is going bad on you.

Geez! Thanks for the heads up John!